St. Paul Ice Fishing Show Info

St. Paul Ice Fishing Show

Friday, December 6 – Sunday, December 8, 2024

Swing by and say hello at the Lake of the Woods Tourism booth #403 during this years St. Paul Ice Fishing Show taking place December 6-8, 2024 in St. Paul.  This is the largest ice fishing show in North America and showcases the top destinations, latest equipment and top ice anglers in the industry.  If you like ice fishing, this show is for you.  For people who like ice fishing, this is an incredible opportunity to learn about the latest and greatest equipment and tactics in the ice fishing industry.

This show is a great opportunity to swing by and talk ice fishing with Joe Henry of Lake of the Woods Tourism.  Maybe you have questions, such as…

-I would like to take my dad and son up ice fishing this year, what do you recommend?

-Some girlfriends and I want to have a girls weekend on the ice, any ideas?

sleeper inside2

-What are the state regulations if we want to have a fish fry while staying overnight in a sleeper fish house?

-What are the current rules to travel up to the NW Angle?

Whatever your questions, we are happy to chat Lake of the Woods fishing at this years St. Paul Ice Fishing Show!

Join us at the St. Paul RiverCentre to shop more than 190 exhibits with products and services dedicated to the die-hard ice fishing and winter sports enthusiast. View all new ice fishing products, including fish houses, augers, underwater cameras, digital fish finders, rods and reels, tackle, accessories, apparel and much more!

Ice fishing, fish house on Lake of the Woods MN

The show will feature all new merchandise at a variety of price points to fit any budget. Whether you are an avid fisherman looking for a few new accessories, an experienced angler in need of an upgrade, or totally new to the ice fishing scene, you will find what you are looking for at this show!

This show is a great opportunity to stop by the Lake of the Woods Tourism booth and talk ice fishing.  We will have the latest Lake of the Woods Visitor Guide which is always a great resource for resorts, outfitters, maps and other pertinent info about Lake of the Woods.

While you are at the ice fishing show, enter your name to win an ice fishing trip to Arnesen’s Rocky Point located on the south end of Lake of the Woods.  Arnesen’s features a variety of ice fishing options including ice transportation to and from fish houses, traditional ice fishing houses and sleeper fish houses on Lake of the Woods for walleyes, saugers, perch, eelpout, pike, crappies, tulibees and whatever else swims the waters of this big lake. They also have a great bar and restaurant overlooking the big lake.

Track rig in front of Arnesens Rocky Point 2

In addition to the Lake of the Woods Tourism booth, there are numerous Lake of the Woods resorts at the show sharing information, open dates, pricing and package options.  This is a great way to meet owners and staffs of area resorts and better understand what area of the lake and what resort or outfitter fits you the best.  Gain an understanding of what part of the lake they fish, how they follow walleye movements throughout the winter, what amenities do they offer and any specials that might be available throughout the year.

greg jones 27.5 walleye 122116

This is also a great opportunity to talk Lake of the Woods ice fishing with people who live ice fishing throughout the winter.  They have literally seen it all and are happy to chat about various aspects of the ice fishing season.  What a great opportunity.

Each and every year, the ice fishing show features all new merchandise at a variety of price points to fit any budget. Whether you are an avid ice angler looking for a few new accessories, an experienced angler in need of an upgrade, or totally new to the ice fishing scene, you will find what you are looking for at this show!

Top Clam Ice Fishing pros will be talking ice fishing with a number of informative seminars each day.  There is good food, lots of energy and some of the most recognizable faces in the ice fishing industry.

Friday, December 6 – Sunday, December 8, 2024

Show Hours

 

Click Here to view lodging options around Lake of the Woods.

Click Here to go to the Lake of the Woods Tourism website.

Venison Steaks

Venison Steak FT24 277372 JR 1023 6

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 4 boneless venison steak (6 to 8 ounces each)

 

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, Worcestershire, garlic, salt and pepper. Add venison; turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour or overnight.
  2. Preheat grill to 350°. Drain venison, discarding marinade. Grill, covered, over medium-high heat until meat reaches desired doneness (for medium-rare, a thermometer should read 135°; medium, 140°; medium-well, 145°), 4-6 minutes on each side. Let steak stand 5 minutes.

 

Lake of the Woods – The Place to be to Learn Ice Fishing

 

Checking ice with airboat Zippel Bay Resort 112822

Everyone at Lake of the Woods is excited about this winter season and the most exciting time is Ice Fishing. We must preface this article by stating that we are just starting to make ice here. Mother Nature has decided to give us some mild temps and that is nice for travel but it is slow in making ice. Caution and Safety are very important words for this beginning ice season. MN DNR gives some great guidelines and we are recommending that you contact your favorite outfitter before trying the ice.

You, for sure, don’t have to be a professional and you don’t have to hold back from a new experience of ice fishing. Everyone of all ages and genders can have this exciting time. You don’t have to buy expensive fishing poles or tackle or even expensive outer wear. “Come as you are!” and be ready to reel in an adventure of a lifetime. Of course, once you’ve put your hand to this great outdoors experience, you’ll be “hooked” and after the first time you won’t be a novice anymore! ice fishing

What is your favorite species? Lake of the Woods is the largest fresh water lake next to the Great Lakes in the United States. There are 14,552 islands and over 65,000 miles of shoreline to capture your attention at any time. It is the home of walleye, sauger, northern, perch, smallmouth bass, black carp, tullibees, eelpout and muskies.

However, as wonderful as open water fishing is, fishing through the ice has become an exciting national favorite. The waters of Lake of the Woods freeze over completely this time of the year and suddenly you will see a whole city of houses placed in various spots on the lake. It has been said that the “city” consists of thousands of ice houses of many varieties and colors. A site to ice fishing behold!!! Let’s ice fishing from the eyes of a novice angler.

First, choose the resort of your preference and let them drive you on a well-maintained ice road (actually plowed and graded) in a track vehicle fully equipped to take you up over an island and out to the great expanse of ice and snow. Ice can reach depths of over 50” throughout the winter.

Before your arrival, guides have gone out to the ice “shacks” and opened holes, turned up the furnaces, and placed poles and bait for your use. These little houses are toasty by the time you arrive and you’ll be taking off a few layers of clothing to get ready for your ice fishing experience.

Bring along a thermos of coffee and your favorite sandwiches or snacks and now you are ready for a full day of ice fishing fun. There is no other sport that compares to this!!! So Exciting!!! An added benefit is that many of the houses are now equipped with bathrooms inside the houses – especially nice for the ladies and children. Many “shacks” are also equipped with small stoves and a few pans to use for heating up your meals. No need for a refrigerator…..haha.

The guides will set you up, teach you to feel the bottom, teach you how to jig and what color to use to lure (pun intended) those fish up the holes and into your bucket and eventually to your table. Exciting? The sounds of excitement will be heard house to house as screams of delight are heard when that fish flies out of the hole. Couple with walleye Arnesens 011021 Every fish caught is an extreme accomplishment no matter what size it is. There is no greater exciting time than pulling a fighting fish through that hole. Everyone is hooting and hollering and clebrating your catch.

Soon, limits of fish are caught and you look out over the horizon and it seems as though creation smiles at you as you will see some of the most gorgeous sunsets to ever behold. ice fishing Guides that have checked on you many times during the day will now arrive again to transport you back to your favorite resort. Now….you are no longer a “novice” but an experienced angler. Men and women alike can’t wait to return to these waters year after year for their fishing fun. That’s especially true of this author!! Come…there’s lots of room!!!

For more information contact our website at: www.lakeofthewoods.com/icefishing

For lodging also check: www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging  to see over 50+ resorts available to serve you.

Check out MN DNR for regulations and licensing.

See our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/lakeofthewoodsmn

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Fishing Report 11.26.2024

Bostic Bay thin ice Sweets Fishing 112424 On the South Shore…  The focus for most this past week has been the ongoing deer hunting season and/or watching the forecast and feeling optimistic about the cold temps over the next couple of weeks.  

The forecast shows temps staying below freezing and hitting the single digits many days.  Depending upon the wind, this should make some ice and get things started,  

The limited number of anglers still fishing are taking advantage of fairly mild weather for November, but that is changing quickly.  Good numbers of walleyes, saugers and a lot of jumbo perch are staged across the south shore which bodes well for ice fishing.  

No surprise this time of year, vertical jigging with frozen emerald shiners is catching most of the walleyes, saugers and jumbo perch.  

Resorts and outfitters are busy, continually getting ready for the ice fishing season.  Fish house maintenance, light ice rigs, bombardiers, track rigs, augers, fish houses, sleeper houses, permitting, deep cleaning, remodeling, and the list goes on.  All good stuff that helps to make the ice fishing season more enjoyable.

On the Rainy River…  Very good fishing reports for those on the river this week, and there have been a few boats.  Limits of walleyes was the norm for most.

Most walleyes are being caught in 10-25 feet of water jigging with live or frozen emerald shiners. 

Having good numbers of walleyes in the river is desired by those who ice fish the south shore.  It is believed some of the walleyes in the river make their way out to the lake as the ice fishing season progresses, providing additional fish to ice anglers out in front of Pine Island.  All good stuff.

Up at the NW Angle…  As temps are getting colder, most are finishing up deer hunting, processing venison or getting ready for the upcoming ice fishing season.  For the few that got out, reports were excellent.  A nice mixed bag with walleyes, saugers, perch, pike and crappies being caught.

Very good muskie fishing for those who braved the colder temps.  Some big fish and some good numbers are being caught amongst the islands.  Late fall is known as a good time to catch muskies and this year has held true.

If you haven’t made reservations for ice fishing, now is a great time.  Day houses normally get out mid December with an extended season on LOW, lasting through March.  Mother Nature always dictates.  Resorts and outfitters will be monitoring ice conditions, posting weight limits throughout the year. 

For more information on lodging and ice fishing packages, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging

 

Walleyes on fish cleaning table River Bend Resort 112624

The Monthly Progression of Ice Fishing on Lake of the Woods

Fish House Lake of the Woods

The Monthly Progression of Ice Fishing on Lake of the Woods

ice fishing lake of the woods, mn
Fish House Lake of the Woods

Ice fishing on Lake of the Woods is more than just a pastime—it’s a way of life that showcases the area’s incredible natural resources and the resilience of its people. Known as the “Walleye Capital of the World,” Lake of the Woods transforms into a winter angler’s paradise each year, offering a carefully planned progression of ice fishing experiences. From the first frozen waters of late November to the bustling ice roads of midwinter, the journey is dictated by Mother Nature herself.

Early Ice: Spearing for Northern Pike

The ice fishing season typically begins at the end of November when the back bays of Lake of the Woods freeze over. This is the time for pike enthusiasts to break out their spears. Northern pike, known for their aggressive nature and large size, are a thrilling target for spear anglers. Resorts in the area cater to this unique method of fishing by renting heated spear houses, strategically placed in some of the best pike waters in the country.  Early-season ice, anglers enjoy an opportunity at a world class pike in these shallow back bays.

Progression to Snowmobiles, ATV's and Side x Sides pulling collapsible fish houses

As the ice thickens in early December, the focus shifts to marking and maintaining ice trails. Resorts and outfitters work tirelessly to prepare the lake for the next wave of activity. Snowmobiles, ATVs, and side-by-sides towing collapsible fish houses are the first vehicles to venture onto the ice. These lightweight machines allow anglers to access prime fishing locations while staying safe during this transitional period.

During this time, anglers often fish for walleyes and saugers in portable shelters, enjoying the mobility to chase schools of fish. The lake’s vastness means there’s always a hotspot to discover, and the excitement of the season builds as more and more people take to the ice.

Mid-December: Heated Day Houses and Light Ice Rigs

By mid-December—typically around the 10th—the ice is often thick enough for resorts and outfitters to place their heated day houses over schools of walleyes and saugers.  Mother Nature is in control, of course, and this is just an average, every year can be different.  Placing day houses one year might be earlier, the other year later.  Thankfully, resort guides and outfitters are constantly monitoring their own ice roads and make decisions regarding weight limits, etc.

Day houses are fully equipped fish houses are a hallmark of Lake of the Woods’ ice fishing culture. Anglers are transported to their cozy shelters via light ice rigs—mini SUVs pulling enclosed, heated trailers with extra suspension for a smooth ride. Upon arrival, everything is ready: holes are drilled and cleaned, houses are banked for insulation, and anglers can focus solely on fishing.

This is when the magic of Lake of the Woods’ renowned walleye and sauger population comes into play. Anglers are treated to excellent fishing, with a mix of eater-sized fish, trophy walleyes over 28 inches, and even the occasional eelpout, monster pike or jumbo perch.

The Arrival of Sleeper Houses and Heavy Vehicles

As the ice continues to thicken through late December and into January, sleeper fish houses are normally on the ice. These houses allow anglers to spend days at a time immersed in the ice fishing experience. Equipped with bunks, heaters, and cooking facilities, they offer the perfect blend of comfort and adventure.

Simultaneously, the ice roads open to heavier vehicles. Weight limits are gradually increased, allowing SUVs and light pickup trucks, and eventually gravitating to medium-sized pickups towing larger wheelhouses are common, and eventually, 3/4-ton and 1-ton trucks are permitted. In particularly cold winters, the ice becomes thick enough to support semi-trucks, which haul supplies to island locations up at the NW Angle.

An Extended Ice Fishing Season

Lake of the Woods enjoys an extended season that lasts well into spring. Fish houses are allowed on the ice through March 31st, while the walleye and sauger season remains open until April 14th. For northern pike enthusiasts, the season never closes, offering year-round opportunities to target these apex predators.

The combination of thick ice, a healthy fish population, and world-class amenities makes Lake of the Woods a premier destination for ice anglers of all skill levels. Whether you’re chasing trophy walleyes, enjoying the thrill of pike spearing, or soaking in the serenity of a sleeper house, this winter wonderland has something for everyone.

Plan Your Ice Fishing Adventure

For more information about ice fishing on Lake of the Woods, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com. The website offers detailed information about ice fishing, from trail updates to a list of resorts and hotels offering guided trips or lodging for anglers with their own gear. With an abundance of walleyes, saugers, and jumbo perch, this is one winter adventure you won’t want to miss!

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Pay It Forward Veterans Event Airs on Midwest Outdoors TV

Lake of the Woods charter boats on plane, Pay It Forward

Every year, Lake of the Woods becomes a place of healing, camaraderie, and honor as veterans gather for the annual Pay It Forward Veterans Event. This year, 90 veterans participated in the 11th annual event, and once again, the experience was filled with unforgettable moments and connections that went beyond fishing.  The event was captured in video by Midwest Outdoors TV and aired this past Veterans Day.

YouTube video

Since its inception in 2014, the Pay It Forward Veterans Event has aimed to honor, recognize, and celebrate all who have served. Organized by Lake of the Woods Tourism and Fishing For Life, this event offers two days of fishing on charter boats, meals, lodging at local resorts, and engaging speakers. While many might expect this event to cater solely to those who were injured in combat, Pay It Forward is dedicated to all veterans—whether they served overseas, stayed stateside, or supported the armed forces in any role.

This inclusive approach means that every veteran, regardless of their service experiences, has a chance to connect with others who understand the unique challenges and sacrifices of military life. Veterans often feel that events like these are reserved for those “more in need,” yet the true magic of Pay It Forward lies in how it uplifts all who attend, creating moments of healing, joy, and renewed purpose.

A highlight for many veterans is, of course, fishing on Lake of the Woods. For two days, veterans joined licensed charter captains on the lake, where they enjoyed outstanding fishing. Many veterans caught their limit of walleyes and saugers, with exciting catches of pike, bass, and perch adding to the experience. The thrill of pulling in trophy-sized walleyes over 28 inches added to the adventure, making the fishing a memory they won’t soon forget.

This three-night, two-day event with meals and accommodations is provided at no cost to veterans, thanks to generous donations from Lake of the Woods area resorts, guides, businesses, organizations, and individuals.

If you’d like to learn more about Pay It Forward, apply for the 2025 event, or make a donation to support this incredible cause, please visit the event website at www.PayItForwardLOW.org.  100% of the donations to this event go towards this event.

Media Contact:
Joe Henry
Executive Director, Lake of the Woods Tourism
Joe.Henry@LakeoftheWoodsMN.com
320-260-7727

Pay It Forward is an event under the 501(c)(3) organization, Walleye Master Charity Events | PO Box 42 | Baudette, MN 56623.

Pay It Forward Veterans Event

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